Truly a once in a lifetime experience June 14, 2024

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

SIT Panama was an incredible experience. I learned so much about Panamanian culture, Panama's biodiversity, and myself. The program is rigorous and you are constantly learning, whether that is through fieldwork, conversations with homestay families, or community interactions. SIT provides unique opportunities for experiential learning, and Panama is an amazing place to study environmental topics.

On-site administration of your program

The program staff goes above and beyond to make students feel supported throughout the semester. Two of my facilitators were Panamanian and one had lived in Panama for over 20 years- all three were very familiar with Panamanian culture and norms, and well-positioned to give students advice about living in the country. The program was well-run and thoroughly planned out. SIT's connections to different communities across the country provided invaluable opportunities.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The homestays were my favorite part of the program. In most of the places we traveled, including Panama City, we stayed with local families. Learning about their lives, sharing parts of my life, and generally spending time together was an amazing way to learn about Panamanian culture. It was also a great opportunity to practice Spanish skills.

I loved trying Panamanian food and the regional variations throughout the semester. The home-cooked meals at the homestays were delicious and really showed how much the host families cared about the students (one of my host dads would arrange our fruit into a smiley face every morning). At times I wished there were more fruits and vegetables, but most places we visited had "healthy" options. I personally ate meat during the semester but it is possible to be vegetarian in Panama, although some host families may be a little confused by the request.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Staying in the homestay families and attending Spanish classes at the university in Panama City helped me connect with locals and immerse myself culturally. All of the families I stayed with were excited to spend time with me and I loved talking and hanging out with them. At times traveling in a large group made it harder to integrate into the local culture, but the SIT staff has established relationships with many communities across the country, all of whom were very welcoming to us. Living alone or with smaller groups during the ISP period is also a great opportunity to more fully integrate into the culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had two minor health needs throughout the program, and both times the SIT staff was quickly responded and gave me detailed instructions on how to go to the pharmacy/doctors and get the medication I needed. The Panamanian health care system is pretty simple and easy to navigate.

I felt safe across the country. I ran by myself in almost every place we visited and I felt safe doing so. I always checked with program staff and my host families before I went on a run and I brought my phone with me, and I would suggest future students do the same if they want to run/walk. I also took the bus across Panama by myself (about 10 hours) and I felt safe. As a young woman, there were occasional cat calls on the street.

Like any study abroad, parts of this program were challenging. However, SIT Panama offers unique experiences that helped me grow as an environmental science student, independent researcher, and conscious citizen of the world.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Most things in Panama are much cheaper than in the US, and because you aren't traveling by yourself very often like you might on a study abroad in Europe, I personally found it very easy to stick to a budget.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Four of the five program courses are in English, and the Spanish class was a little less advanced than I would have preferred. However, the homestays and language parters at the university are great opportunities to practice conversational Spanish, and I definitely feel that my Spanish skills improved.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Hotel
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Independent Study Project
• Traveling to different parts of the country
• Homestays

• More fruits and vegetables

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer